The son of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry and the musical brethren of Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt (whose "Rex's Blues" is suitably covered here), James McMurtry spits out curt one-liners in a flat deadp... more »an that dissolves in uneasy silence. Produced by Lloyd Maines, who contributes Dobro, pedal steel, and mandolin, Walk Through the Raindrops is quieter in tone than McMurtry's major label releases. The rustic arrangements make the lyrics just that much more folksy. "Tired of Walking" and "Airline Agent" are as close to topical songwriting as he's come, while a verse like "Every little bit counts/Though it may not count for much /They could be long forgotten /By the time you add ?em up" is a fine example of the existentialist frontier McMurtry's so fond of probing. --Rob O'Connor« less
The son of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry and the musical brethren of Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt (whose "Rex's Blues" is suitably covered here), James McMurtry spits out curt one-liners in a flat deadpan that dissolves in uneasy silence. Produced by Lloyd Maines, who contributes Dobro, pedal steel, and mandolin, Walk Through the Raindrops is quieter in tone than McMurtry's major label releases. The rustic arrangements make the lyrics just that much more folksy. "Tired of Walking" and "Airline Agent" are as close to topical songwriting as he's come, while a verse like "Every little bit counts/Though it may not count for much /They could be long forgotten /By the time you add ?em up" is a fine example of the existentialist frontier McMurtry's so fond of probing. --Rob O'Connor
"After the twin classics "Where'd You Hide the Body," and "It Had to Happen," (his two best albums), his fifth album is a bit of a letdown. In fact, the best song, "Rex's Blues," is a cover of a old Townes Van Zant tune. Songs like "I Only Want to Talk to You," and "Every Little Bit Counts," are good, but only hint at the lyrical power of which McMurtry is capable. If you are looking to introduce yourself to his music, start with the previous two albums I mentioned and hear this fine artist at his best."
Snapshots of Life
J. R. Smith | Merigold, MS USA | 05/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one excellent album. McMurtry's lyrics show us a number of different takes on life, some funny, some sad. You will relate to some or all of them. If you've ever had a knock-down drag-out with a significant other, then the lines: "tire marks on the pavement where you spun out of the drive, hound dog in the corner looking glad to be alive" will certainly ring true. Social commentaries "Tired of Walking" and "Racing to the Red Light" also will hit a nerve with you. And, to me, "Soda & Salt" and "Airline Agent" are hilarious.So, McMurtry can write some lyrics. He backs them up with great music. I don't know bats about music, but like the Supreme Court I know it when I see it. Two things: 1. I painted the entire inside of my house to this CD and two others of his (Wasteland, Where'd you Hide the Body) - you really can put this one and the others on and just leave them on. 2. Friends of mine come over and I have this over the outdoor speakers. Next thing I know I'm having to order anywhere from one to all five of McMurtry's CD's for them. I'm doing it again tonight. That should tell you something. I don't know if we can get him to come play a town of 600 but it would be a big turnout."
McMurtry Does it AGAIN!!!!
J. R. Smith | 09/29/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"James McMurtry has slowly become my favorite artist these days. Each one of his CD's offer a unique but familiar quality that any fan of lyrically driven music will appreciate. This latest effort is no exception. Quite a departure from past albumns, McMurtry shows yet another aspect to his already ifluential lyrical arsenal with Walk Between the Raindrops. Finally, quality songwriting and musical integrity for my 20 something generation. See you when you come to town James!!!"
Listened to it 20 times the 1st week I owned it
J. R. Smith | 09/03/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Something about this CD just captivates me. I heard it playing in a music store the day it came out. The volume was cranked up loud, and I got sucked in to the frustration and resolution of "Every Little Bit Counts." I've been a fan of McMurtry's for several years, but this is my favorite album of his. Check out the title track, "Soda and Salt," for a glimpse into the teenage mind. Listen to the longing in "I Only Want to Talk to You." You won't be disappointed."
No, not his best...
B. Coker | Elkhorn, WI United States | 09/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No, I wouldn't call this his best work. I like 'Where's You Hide The Body', 'It Had To Happen' and 'St. Mary' best. However, McMurtry is one of those artists that you buy all their works. There are no bad songs on any of his CDs. He is a five star act. He has no lapses...no filler songs...every song has a story."